Today I got to preview the new album 'Teenage Dream' from Katy Perry.The album will be released on August 24th and the physical copy features this stunning cover and a cotton candy scented photo booklet. Amazing.
The album gets off to a cracking start with the second single 'Teenage Dream' where Katy reigns it back into her pop/rock sound.Its atmospheric with cute lyrics and its a very catchy single.A great way to start off the album. Next up is 'Last Friday Night' and here she continues the pop/rock sound with great results. Full of radio friendly summer pop and saucy lyrics,'last Friday night we went streaking in the park,skinny dipping in the park then had a menage a trois'.
Next is the first single 'California Gurls'. Everyone knows this,not very original but catchy none the less,camp and colourful video and record breaking chart success,nothing to complain about.
One of the standout stracks,'E.T. (Futuristic Lover) is a slightly epic techno affair with robotic vocals,dark moody lyrics and synths,beats and a dark ballad middle 8 to boot.Amazing.
Other stand outs include 'Hummingbird Heartbeat', a mid tempo pop rock song with slow verses but a creeping,cracking chorus.The supposed third Single 'Peacock' is one of my favourites, it boasts an incredibly catchy chours,its more dancey and synthy compared to the previous two singles and is going to go down really well in the clubs. One of the only 'ballads' on the album,'Pearl' was a grower for me and ended up making a good impression on further listens.Its soft,sweet and Katy's softer tones go down well on the track.
Ending the album is a piano ballad affair,'Not like the movies'.Emotional,sweet and soft the song for me was a bit of a grower and gets better with each listen. A nice way to end the album but after a majority of high energy anthems maybe it would of been better to swap this around with one of the faster songs.Still,thats why you can edit albums on itunes eh?
Overall,the album is really impressive. Its a step up on the previous album both production and material wise. Katy once again proves herself to be a great writer and is really able to create a cracking pop song at the touch of a few auto tune and synthy buttons. Its a perfect summer album,really energetic and puts you in a good mood.Theres somewhat of a reminiscent feeling to the songs,there atmospheric and you really feel the 'teenage' vibe running through the songs.Brilliant overall and well recommended.
Released on physical copy and itunes on August 24th.
